Sauerland doesn’t expect Baranchyk to follow through with his pull out of WBSS

World Boxing Super Series organizer Kalle Sauerland may have finally nailed down a 140lb semifinal bout between Regis Prograis and Kiryl Relikh, but he still acknowledges that there are some hiccups with another semifinalist in Ivan Baranchyk — who was reported to have withdrawn for the tournament.

Sauerland says Baranchyk’s issues with the tournament revolve around him having to go to Taylor’s backyard of Glasgow to defend his IBF title, but he tells WBN that he believes Baranchyk will ultimately concede.

“Concerning Baranchyk, we have been aware that he is unhappy to travel to Glasgow. All other issues have been handled. However, he signed to the tournament and that means everyone may have to travel.”

But if Baranchyk were to stick to his guns, Sauerland says that would open him up to serious legal action.

“He would very clearly be in breach of his agreement and there would be serious legal repercussions for himself and his promoters. It may even cause him to lose his belt.

“Personally I don’t believe he will risk all this for simply not wanting to fight in Glasgow. All great champs travel and I believe Baranchyk is a proud warrior. He knew that he would have to travel when he signed up.”

Bayanchyk-Taylor is still scheduled for May 18, but there’s enough time between now and then for a lot to happen. This is boxing after all. But ultimately the fans just want to see the best fights possible, so we’ll be keeping our fingers crossed that everything kicks off without a hitch. Sauerland even says they’ve already been looking potential weight classes for a Season 3 of the WBSS.